Honoring Kamehameha Pai‘ea
Every June 11th, no matter what day of the week it falls on, Kohala celebrates and honor our King. People from around Hawai‘i state gather at the northern tip of the big island of Hawai‘i to honor Kamehameha Pai‘ea, the chief who united the Hawaiian islands in 1795.
Kamehameha Day is recognized as a state holiday throughout Hawai‘i, but North Kohala is a very special place to celebrate. This is his ‘Āina Hānau, place of birth. where the residents of this area played a prominent role in saving his life as an infant.
This year’s theme for our Kohala Kamehameha Day Celebration is Ka ‘Iwakīloumoku. This was called out to him by his Aunt Ululani. It is in reference to his prophecy. As she refers to him being that of the Iwa bird, with it’s powerful talons hooking up the islands together.
Kamehameha Day is recognized as a state holiday throughout Hawai‘i, but North Kohala is a very special place to celebrate. This is his ‘Āina Hānau, place of birth. where the residents of this area played a prominent role in saving his life as an infant.
This year’s theme for our Kohala Kamehameha Day Celebration is Ka ‘Iwakīloumoku. This was called out to him by his Aunt Ululani. It is in reference to his prophecy. As she refers to him being that of the Iwa bird, with it’s powerful talons hooking up the islands together.
Kamehameha I
Small Town, Big Celebration
Although North Kohala is a small community, each year on June 11th the community puts forth a large grassroots effort to present a full day of celebration and tribute to King Kamehameha I. Visitors are welcome to the North Kohala towns of Hawi and Kapa‘au to take part of this unique local event.
Driving directions
Getting there from Kona
Drive north on Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy (19) to Kawaihae Road intersection. Turn left after 1 mile, veer right onto Hwy 270 (Akoni Pule Highway) for the 20-mile coast drive to Hawi and Kapa'au.
Getting there from Hilo
Drive north on the Mamalahoa Hwy (19) through Waimea. Veer right onto the Kohala Mountain Road (250) for the 20-mile mountain drive to Hawi or Kapa'au.
Drive north on Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy (19) to Kawaihae Road intersection. Turn left after 1 mile, veer right onto Hwy 270 (Akoni Pule Highway) for the 20-mile coast drive to Hawi and Kapa'au.
Getting there from Hilo
Drive north on the Mamalahoa Hwy (19) through Waimea. Veer right onto the Kohala Mountain Road (250) for the 20-mile mountain drive to Hawi or Kapa'au.
